“Faith does not deny the brutal realities of this life. Rather, it embraces the Greater Reality of Who God is along with His Unfailing Promises.” The greater the battle the greater the victory! God's people have always had to face the twin enemies of fear and dismay. We win the battle by focusing on the promise of God's Presence to be with us at all times. (Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:6-9; Joshua 23:14)

8 principles of decision making

The Peace Test: Is this decision causing my peace to become unsettled or worrisome? Col. 3:15; Phil. 4:6-8The Word of God Test: Is this decision that I am about to make going to violate anything in the Word of God? God's Word makes us well prepared. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Luke 6:38The Love Test: Does this decision violate God or people? What does God's love look like? 1 Cor. 13:4-8Wisdom & Common Sense Test: Does this decision show good common sense? Prov. 3:13-18: Prov. 4:7-8; Prov. 2:6-10.Focus Test: Does it cause me to lose focus on the purpose God has for my life? Does it keep me in line with the known will of God in His word? Or does it sidetrack you? Does it take life away from you and the fruitfulness God has for you? Focus keeps you firm in conviction and keeps you on track.Motive Test: What are my motives in making this decision? Does it involve selfishness? How will it affect others and myself? James 4:3Fruit Test: What will this decision produce? God wants us to be fruitful. Wonderful fruit ought to come from our decisions. Gal. 6:7-10The Voice of Experience Test: 1 Cor. 10:13; Prov. 1:1-7What does experience say about my decision? Others have been down similar roads. What can I learn from the experience of others? Include the voice of experience in your decision-making process. Learn from those who walk the walk.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Dean Elder's continues his series on seasons in the life of Joseph. This lesson spends time examining the decisions that were made during the time when Joseph's brothers threw him into the pit.

The topic of God's judgment is completely compatible with the topic of God's love. If there were no future judgment, there would be no hope of any final justice in this world. And while the coming judgment of God is a source of fear for the unbeliever, it provides comfort and reassurance for the true follower of Christ.

During these days of difficulty in which we are living, God has called us to live as His ambassadors representing His Kingdom. Abiding in Christ enables us to draw from His abundant resources of faith, hope and courage to fulfill His calling upon our life.

Dean Elders continues teaching on seasons in the life of Joseph. Different seasons involve the preparations of God for what He has for us in the future. Too many times people have misunderstood what God is doing in difficult seasons. He wants us to run after Him.

Dean Elders teaches how God can use negative experiences to move you along in life. If we respond correctly, God can make it work on our behalf.

When a person has Christ, they have everything! The way we respond to inconveniences, disappointments and loss can reveal the value we truly place on Christ. Paul the apostle was gladly willing to suffer the loss of all things in order to win Christ.

If Jesus came to bring peace, why is there so much conflict in this world? Are Christians going to experience increasing persecution? God's Word has much to say in order to prepare us for what lies ahead.